After more than three years of discussion, research, review, and debate, the United States Federal Trade Commission (US FTC) released proposed revisions to its Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims (the “Green Guides”) in late 2010. The Green Guides provide FTC “guidance” on what is and is not appropriate in the ever-fluid area of environmental marketing. They are designed to help product marketers avoid making false and misleading environmental claims that might violate...
On February 15, 2011, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a revised directive that provides enforcement guidance on determining whether employers have complied with OSHA's personal protective equipment (PPE) standards. The Enforcement Guidance for Personal Protective Equipment in General Industry, CPL 02-01-050, is the latest word from OSHA on PPE, and an important document for employers and employees alike.
February 24, 2011
Lynn L. Bergeson, “2010 Elections Could Impact EPA Programs,” Chemical Processing, December 2010.
The 2010 Congressional elections will likely significantly impact policy and legislative developments in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulation of chemicals and pesticides. The decline in the number of elected House Democratic members will make for some significant differences in EPA's budget, legislative proposals and general operations. Meanwhile, some newly elected senators stridently oppose government expansion and want to rein in federal deficit spending, which could...
March 1, 2011, is the deadline for owners or operators of facilities covered under Section 312 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) to file annual "Tier II" reporting forms to the appropriate state and local agencies. Under EPCRA Section 312, any facility required under Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations to maintain material safety data sheets (MSDS) for hazardous chemicals and that stores these chemicals on-site during the year in an...
February 17, 2011
Lynn L. Bergeson, “Workplace Falls Get Fresh Attention,” Chemical Processing, August 2010.
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is tackling a major source of industrial injuries -- slips, trips and falls on workplace surfaces. On May 24, OSHA proposed significant revisions to Subparts D and I of the general industry standards dealing with walking-working surfaces and personal protective equipment (PPE), respectively. This column outlines the reasons why OSHA believes changes are needed to protect workers, and key revisions to these standards.
February 11, 2011
Respondents to House Committee Identify FIFRA and TSCA Regulatory Actions as Impediments to Job Growth
On February 10, 2011, during a hearing on "Regulatory Impediments to Job Creation," the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform released a preliminary staff report entitled Assessing Regulatory Impediments to Job Creation. In December 2010, Committee Chair Darrell Issa (R-CA) sent letters to over 150 businesses, industry organizations, and think tanks asking for examples of existing and proposed regulations that have negatively impacted job growth, as well as suggestions on...
February 11, 2011
Bergeson & Campbell, P.C., “Nanotech and Jobs: Congress Weighs In,” Nanotechnology Industries Association Newsletter, February 11, 2011.
The new Republication-led House of Representatives has expressed its concerns with what it refers to as the adverse impact of regulations on jobs and the economy.
Both Turkey and South Korea are working to implement chemical management programs to comply with broader international initiatives. In December 2009, Turkey implemented new legislation concerning the classification, labeling, and packaging (CLP) of dangerous substances and preparations, and a regulation on safety data sheets (SDS) for dangerous substances and preparations. South Korea has initiated a process for the management of chemicals, with the objective of minimizing the harmful effects...
The February 8, 2011, issue of Inside EPA's Risk Policy Report discusses an American Bar Association Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources Special Committee on TSCA Reform paper co-authored by Charles Auer and James Aidala entitled "Practical Advice for TSCA Reform: An Insider Perspective."
The February 4, 2011, issue of Pesticide & Chemical Policy includes an article quoting Lynn L. Bergeson regarding the opportunity for industry to drive Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) reform legislation.